New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed Tuesday that more than 70 children separated from their families as part of the federal government’s “zero-tolerance” policy regarding unauthorized boarder crossings are being held at facilities in New York, including locations in Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Lincolndale, and Yonkers.
Governor Cuomo followed the announcement with a New York Times op-ed denouncing the current administration’s policy and its execution, adding that “The facilities in New York are a testament to the love and compassion of our residents, providing high-quality care and homelike settings that contrast with the terrifying tent city and refurbished Walmart being used to house detainees along the border. But these children shouldn’t be in facilities in New York or anywhere else in the first place. They should be with their parents.”
He finished by stating New York State intends “to file a multi-agency lawsuit against the Trump administration to swiftly reunite children with their parents and put an end to the abuse of immigrant families.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer released a statement echoing the governor’s disappointment and outrage. “Children, who are being ripped from their families, are being placed in facilities in Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Lincolndale and Yonkers. They do not belong here — they belong with their mothers and fathers.”
Executive Latimer applauded the governor’s decision to pursue legal action and called upon the federal government to reverse its course of action.
“Let us all remember that Westchester County, along with New York State and the United States, was built on the backs on immigrants,” says Latimer. “They are part of the fabric of our home and they deserve to be treated to humanly.”
